Many were anxiously awaiting the announcement of the Galaxy Nexus smartphone on October 11, as the smartphone will spearhead the launch of Ice Cream Sandwich (the next version of Google's Android mobile operating system). However, both Samsung and Google have decided to postpone the event.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus [Source: SlashGear]

Earlier today, the two companies issued this joint statement:

Samsung and Google decide to postpone the new product announcement at CTIA Fall. We agree that it is just not the right time to announce a new product. New date and venue will be shortly announced.

However, later today, a Samsung spokesperson confirmed that the reason for the delay was out of respect for Steve Jobs:

We believe this is not the right time to announce a new product as the world expresses tribute to Steve Jobs's passing. We do not have information on the rescheduling of the event.

Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs died on Wednesday at the age of 56. He battled pancreatic cancer and later received a liver transplant. Jobs temporarily left Apple on medical leave three times to address his health concerns. He vacated his duties as CEO of Apple in late August, handing over the baton to Tim Cook.